‘Be aware’ as dangerous cold descends on Winnipeg

Vapour hangs in the air from the breath of construction workers at the build for a six-storey, 285-unit luxury apartment complex at the former Norlander Inn property on Pembina Highway in Winnipeg on Thurs., Jan. 17, 2019. Kevin King/Winnipeg Sun/Postmedia Network

Staying situationally aware is what will help stave off the dangers the current deep freeze in Winnipeg has brought.

Jason Shaw, assistant chief of emergency management with the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, said the city’s citizens need to — not should — be aware of their surroundings when venturing out in extreme temperatures.

“Be aware, that’s my No. 1 tip,” Shaw said. “Listen to the weather forecast and make sure you’re prepared and that you’re not exposing yourself to these extreme temperatures for an elongated time.

Shaw isn’t talking about adding another layer.

“Those are the tips people should know,” he said. “It’s really about the situational awareness stuff for where you’re going.”

Temperatures were forecast to dip to -42 with the windchill overnight Wednesday, according to Environment Canada, and are supposed to remain cold for the next several days.

Sundogs appear on either side of the sun courtesy of an arctic air mass that is bringing extreme cold temperatures to Winnipeg. The jogger is running along Waterfront Dr. Thursday January 17, 2019. Winnipeg Sun/Chris Procaylo

When travelling in and around the Perimeter or into rural areas in the province, Shaw said letting people know where you’re going and having an emergency kit in your vehicle in the event of bad weather or car problems is vital.

Shaw also said that if you see someone you feel might be at risk because of the elements, don’t be afraid to call 9-1-1.

“And when we tell people to call 9-1-1, what we really want is people to stay with the person,” Shaw said. “We want them to provide that assistance. Sometimes, people because of their lack of situational awareness, don’t know where they are… so they call 9-1-1 and don’t know where they are and then they hang up.”

Those experiencing homelessness in the city are at greater risk, and their greatest challenge right now is finding a warm place as temperatures plummet.

“For us, that means our drop-in centres are open during the day and that we’re taking in people at night,” said Luke Thiessen, communications manager at Siloam Mission.

Siloam is already at capacity and is having to re-direct people to other services. The Main Street Project is facing a similar capacity squeeze.

“We definitely reach capacity here every evening,” said Cindy Titus, communications and fund development coordinator. “We’re generally re-direct around 20 people per night.”

MSP is the only shelter in the city that will accept people under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

“Many people experiencing long-term, chronic homelessness are also living with long-term addictions issues,” Titus said.

Titus said if people are looking to help, donating financially or with warm clothing is always needed.

“MSP also has a van patrol programming for 16 hours a day starting from 3:30 p.m. to about 8 a.m., driving around looking for people who may need assistance,” Titus said.

Thiessen said donations slow down considerably after the holiday season.

“For us right now, the biggest thing right now is new underwear for men and women and warm winter outwear, so jackets, coats, boots, mitts. Things like that,” Thiessen said.

Arctic air has moved into the Winnipeg area causing temperatures to plummet. Winnipeg Sun/Chris Procaylo

Tips to get through the winter freeze

The City of Winnipeg has offered several tips to avoid getting bitten by the cold:

Older adults and very young children should avoid prolonged outdoor exposure.

Check on older friends, relatives, and neighbours who live alone.

Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. If these symptoms are present, seek immediate medical attention. Severe hypothermia can be life-threatening.

Bring pets inside and limit the amount of time they spend outside.

Dress in layers of warm, dry clothing, so that you can adjust to changing conditions. Be sure to wear a warm hat that covers your ears and a pair of loose-fitting gloves or mitts – Up to 40% of our body heat is lost through the head and hands.

Keep a winter storm survival kit in your car. This should include extra clothing, blankets, food, flares, chains, gloves and first aid supplies. Keep your gas tank full and to the extent possible, avoid traveling alone.

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